Offering Campus
Argosy University, Twin Cities
Program Overview
Argosy University offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Diagnostic Medical Sonography degree program, which is designed to prepare students to work as health care professionals, to interact with other health care professionals and patients in a professional and ethical manner, to develop the best possible technical skills in sonography, and to demonstrate at all times the utmost respect and concern for the well-being of the patients they serve.
Graduates will be prepared to provide health care services as sonographers. The diagnostic medical sonographer works under the direction of a physician, using ultrasound imaging techniques for purposes of diagnosis.
The AAS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography degree program offers three concentrations: General Sonography, Echocardiography, and Vascular Technology.
General Sonography Concentration
The AAS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography degree program with General Sonography concentration requires the satisfactory completion of 70 semester credit hours that includes 21 credit hours of general education, 40 credit hours of program-specific courses, and 9 credit hours of clinical training.
Echocardiography Concentration
The AAS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography degree program with Echocardiography concentration requires the satisfactory completion of 70 semester credit hours that includes 21 credit hours of general education, 40 credit hours of program-specific courses, and 9 credit hours of clinical training.
Vascular Technology Concentration
The AAS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography degree program with Vascular Technology concentration requires the satisfactory completion of 70 semester credit hours that includes 21 credit hours of general education, 40 credit hours of program-specific courses, and 9 credit hours of clinical training.
Full-time students who matriculate during the fall semester and follow the recommended curriculum course sequence can complete the program in as little as 24 months. The maximum allowable time frame to complete this program based upon full-time status and fall matriculation is 36 months. Full-time students who matriculate during the spring semester and follow the recommended curriculum outline can complete the program in as little as 26 months. The maximum allowable time frame to complete this program based upon full-time status and spring matriculation is 39 months.
The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography® (ARDMS®), incorporated in June 1975, is an independent, nonprofit organization that administers examinations and awards credentials in the areas of diagnostic medical sonography, diagnostic cardiac sonography, vascular interpretation and vascular technology. The only means of obtaining an ARDMS credential is by examination. Required examination prerequisites must be met before an applicant can take an ARDMS examination. Applicants are then required to pass two comprehensive examinations to earn a credential: (1) Sonography Principles & Instrumentation (SPI) Examination, and (2) at least one corresponding specialty examination.
Completion of the program requirements does not guarantee passage of the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) registry exams. Requirements for taking and passing registry exams are subject to change without notice to Argosy University. The most current information regarding the ARDMS registry exams can be found at: http://www.ardms.org
The curriculum is designed to prepare students to sit for the ARDMS registry exams described below.
General Sonography Concentration
Coursework and clinical training is designed to prepare students to sit for the Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) exam.
Echocardiography Concentration
Coursework and clinical training is designed to prepare students to sit for the Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) exam.
Vascular Technology Concentration
Coursework and clinical training is designed to prepare student to sit for the Registered Vascular Exam (RVT Vascular Exam).
Program Learning Outcomes
Learning outcomes for each concentration are described below.
General Sonography Concentration
1.The Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) graduate must:
1.1 Use critical decision making skills to reach conclusions related to comprehensive patient care.
1.2 Be able to obtain, review and integrate pertinent history and supporting clinical data to facilitate optimum diagnostic results.
2. The DMS graduate must:
2.1 Be able to perform appropriate procedures and record anatomical, pathological and/or physiological data for interpretation by a physician.
2.2 Follow oral and written prescribed instructions to carry our analytical procedures.
3. The DMS graduate will be able to demonstrate entry level knowledge of ultrasound physics on the National Registry Exam.
3.1 Able to assess and evaluate current scientific literature and synthesize information in a critical, scientific and effective manner as it relates to application of basic physics principles in Sonography.
3.2 Define and apply basic ultrasound physics and recognize and identify images where quality can be improved by modifying application of US instruments and mode of operation.
4. The DMS graduate will achieve personal development and demonstrate interpersonal communication skills with patients, health care professionals and the general public.
4.1 Exhibit positive relationship skills via effective communication, respect for others, and awareness of their impact on others. The graduate must be able to demonstrate professional conduct and acceptance of constructive criticism.
Echocardiography Concentration
1.The Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) graduate must:
1.1 Use critical decision making skills to reach conclusions related to comprehensive patient care.
1.2 Be able to obtain, review and integrate pertinent history and supporting clinical data to facilitate optimum diagnostic results.
2. The DMS graduate must:
2.1 Be able to perform appropriate procedures and record anatomical, pathological and/or physiological data for interpretation by a physician.
2.2 Follow oral and written prescribed instructions to carry our analytical procedures.
3. The DMS graduate will be able to demonstrate entry level knowledge of ultrasound physics on the National Registry Exam.
3.1 Able to assess and evaluate current scientific literature and synthesize information in a critical, scientific and effective manner as it relates to application of basic physics principles in Sonography.
3.2 Define and apply basic ultrasound physics and recognize and identify images where quality can be improved by modifying application of US instruments and mode of operation.
4. The DMS graduate will achieve personal development and demonstrate interpersonal communication skills with patients, health care professionals and the general public.
4.1 Exhibit positive relationship skills via effective communication, respect for others, and awareness of their impact on others. The graduate must be able to demonstrate professional conduct and acceptance of constructive criticism.
Vascular Technology Concentration
1A: To reach conclusions related to comprehensive patient care.
1B: Obtain, review and integrate pertinent history and supporting clinical data to facilitate optimum diagnostic results.
2A: Record anatomical, pathological, and/or physiological data for interpretation by a physician.
2B: Able to follow oral and written prescribed instructions to carry out analytical procedures.
3A: Assess and evaluate current scientific literature and synthesize information in a critical manner.
3B: Define and apply basic ultrasound physics and recognize and identify images where quality can be improved by modifying application of ultrasound instruments and mode of operation.
4A: Demonstrate interpersonal skills by exhibiting positive relationship skills through professional conduct and by accepting constructive criticism.
Admission Requirements
Because the field of diagnostic medical sonography is highly competitive, Argosy University, Twin Cities has established a set of objective criteria to identify applicants for admission acceptance. Applications will be evaluated by the Argosy University, Twin Cities Admissions Committee. A wait list will also be maintained. Final decisions regarding an applicant’s point total, eligibility to make application, and acceptance into the program are made by the Argosy University, Twin Cities Admissions Committee.
Applicants must apply for admission into either the General Sonography concentration, the Echocardiography concentration, or the Vascular Technology concentration. Eligibility for Admission varies by concentration.
General Sonography Concentration
- Proof of high school graduation or equivalent
- ACT composite score of 20, or
- Combined Math and Critical Reading SAT score of 960
- A minimum score on an Argosy University pre-approved English language proficiency test is required for all applicants whose native language is not English or who have not graduated from an institution at which English is the language of instruction as specified in Section Five, Admission Policies , “English Language Proficiency Policy.”
Echocardiography Concentration
- Proof of high school graduation or equivalent
- ACT composite score of 20, or
- Combined Math and Critical Reading SAT score of 960
- A minimum score on an Argosy University pre-approved English language proficiency test is required for all applicants whose native language is not English or who have not graduated from an institution at which English is the language of instruction as specified in Section Five, Admission Policies , “English Language Proficiency Policy.”
Vascular Technology Concentration
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, a nationally accredited institution approved and documented by the faculty and dean of the College of Health Sciences, or an appropriately certified foreign institution.
- A minimum score on an Argosy University pre-approved English language proficiency test is required for all applicants whose native language is not English or who have not graduated from an institution at which English is the language of instruction as specified in Section Five, Admission Policies , “English Language Proficiency Policy.”
All applications for admission to the program must be submitted to the Admissions Department. An admissions representative will help interested students to complete the following documentation:
- Student Information Form
- Personal Interview
- Completed Application for Admission Form
- Application fee (non-refundable, except in California and Arizona. In the state of Arizona, the application fee is refundable if the application is canceled within three business days of the applicant signing the Enrollment Agreement.)
- Proof of high school graduation or GED, or proof of earned college degree
- SAT or ACT score and pre-approved English language proficiency exam score (if applicable)
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary schools attended
- Clinical Training Agreement
- Technical Standards Form
- Health forms
Graduation Requirements (All Concentrations)
- Satisfactory completion of all requirements in the program of study, including General Education requirements.
- Students must achieve a minimum grade of a “C-” in all program-specific and general education lecture courses. In the laboratory a minimum grade of “C-“ is required in semester two, a minimum grade of “B-“ is required in semesters three and four, and a “B” is required in semester five.
- Successful completion of all clinical competencies.
- A completed Petition to Graduate submitted to campus administration.
- Students must also be current on all financial obligations in order to receive official final transcripts.
Program Requirements
Students must successfully complete the prerequisite general education courses which include college algebra, biological sciences, communications, and physics, and ultrasound concepts before beginning program-specific coursework.
General Sonography Concentration — Fall Semester Start Course Requirements
The AAS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography degree program with the General Sonography concentration and a fall semester start requires the satisfactory completion of 70 semester credit hours distributed as follows:
Program Credit Hour Distribution
- General Education (21)
- Program-Specific (40)
- Clinical Training (9)
Clinical Training Requirement
Clinical Training (DMS 290 and DMS 300 ) is a 960-hour internship. Students are in-residence in a clinic or hospital during this phase of training. A sample list of clinical training sites is available upon request.
General Sonography Concentration — Spring Semester Start Course Requirements
The AAS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography degree program with the General Sonography concentration and a spring semester start requires the satisfactory completion of 70 semester credit hours distributed as follows:
Program Credit Hour Distribution
- General Education (21)
- Program-Specific (40)
- Clinical Training (9)
Echocardiography Concentration — Fall Semester Start Course Requirements
The AAS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography degree program with the Echocardiography concentration and a fall semester start requires the satisfactory completion of 70 semester credit hours distributed as follows:
Program Credit Hour Distribution
- General Education (21)
- Program-Specific (40)
- Clinical Training (9)
Echocardiography Concentration — Spring Semester Start Course Requirements
Program Credit Hour Distribution
- General Education (21)
- Program-Specific (40)
- Clinical Training (9)
Clinical Training Requirement
Clinical Training (ECH 290 ) is a 960-hour internship. Students are in-residence in a clinic or hospital during this phase of training. A sample list of clinical training sites is available upon request.
Vascular Technology Concentration — Fall Semester Start Course Requirements
The AAS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography degree program with the Vascular Technology concentration with Fall Semester start requires the satisfactory completion of 70 semester credit hours distributed as follows:
Program Credit Hour Distribution
- General Education (21)
- Program-Specific (40)
- Clinical Training (9)
Vascular Technology Concentration — Spring Semester Start Course Requirements
The AAS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography degree program with the Vascular Technology concentration with a Spring Semester start requires the satisfactory completion of 70 semester credit hours distributed as follows:
Program Credit Hour Distribution
- General Education (21)
- Program-Specific (40)
- Clinical Training (9)
Clinical Training Requirement
Clinical Training (VAS 290 and VAS 300 ) is a 960-hour internship. Students are in-residence in a clinic or hospital during this phase of training. A sample list of clinical training sites is available upon request.
